Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a 6-figure, ground-up restoration
355 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 / FiTech fuel injection
Monster Transmission & Performance 700R4 4-speed automatic
transmission
Vintage Air conditioning
Customized leather interior / Modern audio
Power steering
4-wheel power disc brakes
Upgraded suspension
18 and 20-inch American Racing Hopster wheels
PPG urethane paint
When the 1961 Impala hit the streets, the '50s were officially
over. With a stunningly clean profile, restrained use of
brightwork, and performance that fueled the fires of the horsepower
wars, the 'bubble top' Impalas were a welcome antidote for chrome
and tailfins. Purchased in 2005 from a gentleman who kept it locked
away in a garage for more than twenty years, this amazing Impala
coupe underwent an 8-month, frame-off restoration. And, from its
show-quality paint and custom leather interior to its high-winding
small block, the car is a magnificent classic that literally
defines the word "cool"!
BODYWORK/TRIM
One look at our high definition photos reveals a straight and solid
cruiser that features no aesthetic modification. In other words:
you're looking at 100% factory sheetmetal that's unchopped,
unshaved and completely unaltered. Thanks to a quality restoration,
every panel was straightened, aligned and hand-sanded prior to
receiving a rich coat of black PPG urethane. And, thanks to recent
wet-sanding and polishing, the depth of that finish is simply
astounding!
Perhaps it's the dazzling trim on this Chevy, particularly that
sweeping side spear, that makes the paint look so astounding. The
tailfin era was gone, but here, its memory is honored by a bead of
stainless that transitions from the car's sweep panel to its trunk
opening. Modern tri-bar headlights enhance safety, six round
taillights were an Impala trademark and cross-flag emblems have
represented performance since the Corvette debuted back in 1953.
And detailing is on point, as this coupe is fitted with tinted
glass, fresh weather stripping and a roster of chrome that's been
massaged by Nashville's Advanced Plating.
ENGINE
Pop the hood and you'll find a reliable, 355 cubic inch Chevrolet
small block that's been fully rebuilt and fitted with polished
aluminum heads. Revs are created when a Billet Specialties air
cleaner floats wind in to a polished Edelbrock Performer EPS
intake, by way of spry FiTech fuel injection. At the perimeter of
that intake, stylish Billet Specialties valve covers hang a
polished cap and breather over coated block hugger headers. Behind
that breather, a proven Mallory distributor shoots spark through
loomed plug wires. At the front of those looms, Vintage Air Front
Runner components spin a polished alternator and polished AC
compressor above a polished Edelbrock water pump. And in front of
those ancillaries, an aluminum, 4-core radiator plays well with
dual puller fans and a polished cap. Despite being a thoroughly
massaged piece, the Jet Black mill looks right at home in the car's
spotless engine compartment. And details, like a chrome coil, a
MQQN Equipment temp gauge, a chrome fuel pump, braided fluid lines
and a chrome master cylinder, mix first-rate looks with first-rate
functionality.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
As expected, the restoration work under this Impala is just as
spectacular as its body and engine bay. Solid floors wear quality
undercoating, which looks great against a glossy frame and glossy
chassis components. At the center of that chassis, a 700R4 4-speed,
sourced from Monster Transmission and Performance, funnels torque
through an original axle. Fluid power steering and tubular control
arms make quick work of turns while power-assisted calipers squeeze
drilled and slotted rotors to bring everything to a halt. The
aforementioned headers dump spent gases in to ceramic-coated pipes,
which employ Flowmaster Hushpower mufflers. Everything rolls on
polished American Racing Hopsters, which spin 245/40ZR18 BF
Goodrich g-Force T/As in front of 275/35ZR20 BF Goodrich g-Force
T/As. And items like a stainless fuel tank, a polished flywheel
cover and a finned transmission cooler round out a roster of
impressive hardware.
INTERIOR
This Chevy's beautiful leather interior was designed to seamlessly
blend original and new equipment, and it's a smashing success! Twin
buckets are sumptuous and comfortable, separated by a custom,
Impala-branded console. Dakota Digital VHX telemetry rides in a
factory dash next to modern Pioneer audio, Vintage Air climate
control and a correct Delco All Transistor Radio. Door panels and
kick panels are well-crafted pieces that will leave onlookers
scratching their heads about what's original and what isn't. Fresh
carpet, protected by flecked Impala floor mats, and a tight
headliner, fronted by a polished Impala mirror, add a dash of
originality. In front of the driver, a leather-wrapped Lecarra
steering wheel laps billet foot pedals and a polished, tilting
column. And behind the passengers, the car's positively massive
trunk has been finished with a combination of carpet and
leather.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
No, your eyes aren't deceiving you. This coupe really is as amazing
as it looks! The budget for this build was well into 6-figures, and
it shows in every single component. 'Bubble top' Impalas have
always been highly-sought cars, and this one makes it easy to
understand why: custom classics simply don't get much nicer!